Navigating The Friendly Skies and Beyond

New Resources and Updates for Accessible Travel in 2025

Travel for people with disabilities continues to improve, with several new resources, initiatives, and regulations introduced in 2024–2025 to make journeys safer, more comfortable, and more inclusive. Here are the most notable developments:

1. New Federal Protections and Regulations - U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Rule (2025):

• A sweeping new rule strengthens the rights of airline passengers with disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs.
• Airlines are now required to provide better training for staff assisting disabled travelers, improve notification and handling of damaged wheelchairs, and implement safer on-board wheelchair procedures.
• These regulations expand upon the Air Carrier Access Act and aim to ensure safe, dignified, and efficient travel for all passengers.

2. Innovative Travel Tools and Guides

• Accessibility Playbook: Developed by Destinations International and TravelAbility, this toolkit helps destinations and travel businesses enhance accessibility and inclusion. The playbook offers over 90 practical tips, technology recommendations, use-case scenarios, and a directory of third-party providers for accessibility solutions[4][5].
• Google Maps Accessibility Routes: New features allow users to find wheelchair-friendly routes and receive real-time updates about accessibility at various locations.

3. Enhanced Transportation and Planning Services

• Accessible Ride-Sharing and Rental Vehicles: Companies like Waymo are expanding wheelchair-accessible ride services, and rental agencies are adding more adapted vehicles to their fleets[6].
• Airport and Airline Assistance: Airports are rolling out improved assistance programs, including better support for mobility devices and pre-boarding services.

4. Updated Travel Directories and Support Organizations: Several organizations have updated their offerings and directories for 2025, including:

• Navigating the Friendly Skies:  United Spinal has put together a comprehensive guide to airline travel for wheelchair users. This free guide is a must have for anyone who travels with assistive devices, service animals or needs assistance while traveling. 
• Accessible Journeys: Specializes in travel for slow walkers and wheelchair users.
• Open Doors Organization: Pioneers accessibility in travel, hotel, and entertainment industries.
• Wheel the World: Offers accessible group tours and a vetted online booking platform for accessible hotels, activities, and transportation in over 80 destinations worldwide.
• AccessibleGO: A one-stop platform to search and book hotels, transportation, and activities filtered by specific accessibility needs.

5. Updated Government and Health Resources

• CDC and TSA Updates: The CDC and TSA have refreshed their travel guidance, including details on accessible screening, use of TSA Notification Cards, and helplines for travelers with disabilities.
• Travel.State.Gov: Updated international travel information for people with disabilities, including country-specific accessibility laws and tips for traveling with service animals or assistive devices.

6. Conferences and Summits

• TravelAbility Summit 2025: Scheduled for October 2025, this event brings together industry leaders, advocates, and travelers to discuss the latest in accessible travel technology, policy, and best practices.

7. Notable Accessible Destinations and Tour Companies

• Top Accessible Destinations: Recent guides highlight cities like Barcelona and Costa Rica for their accessible infrastructure and services.
• Specialized Tour Companies: Easy Access Travel, Iceland Unlimited, Morocco Accessible Travel, Tapooz Travel, and others now offer tailored trips, accessible equipment rentals, and vetted guides for travelers with disabilities.